LANSING. At a special ceremony held in Lansing, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue presented Tpr. Gordon Van Gelder of the Rockford Post with the MSP Lifesaving Award.

On June 11, 2010, Van Gelder responded to a report of a man who tried to commit suicide. When Van Gelder arrived, the man had no pulse and was not breathing. Van Gelder immediately began administering CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived, and continued aid while the man was transported to the hospital where he later died.

Despite the unfortunate outcome, in presenting Van Gelder with the MSP Lifesaving Award, the department recognizes Van Gelder for his quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques that prolonged the man's life long enough for his family to make the decision to donate his organs to Gift of Life.

Van Gelder enlisted with the department in 1998, graduating as a member of the 116th Trooper Recruit School. He served at the Jackson Post before serving at the Rockford Post.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR AN ELECTRONIC PHOTO CONTACT:

F/Lt. Christopher McIntire, MSP Rockford Post Commander, (616) 866-4411